READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - DOWN FOR THE COUNT by S. Marie and Victor Rahl

Down for the Count

Authors: S. Marie & Victor Rahl

Published: January 8th 2024

Genre/Tropes: MMA, Forced Proximity, Intense, Gritty, Mafia, Suspense, Alpha Male, Forbidden, Single Mom

The real me lives in the shadows, the seedy underbelly, where sin Is the only air we know how to breathe.

My dreams of going Pro are at my fingertips. But in one moment, one hit, those dreams come crashing down around me.

The money, the fame, the life I wanted to give my mother. All gone.

Once I was Kingston “The King” Reyes. Women and men had chanted my name. Worshiped me. Now I work as a postal worker by day…and at night, I crawl into the dark, seedy underbelly of sin. An illegal underground fight club, where I still reign with my fists, but where every fight could be my last.

The “Brothers,” Dutch and Dom, hold my leash while they pay for my mother’s cancer treatments. I’m their puppet, their boy toy for wealthy women and power. You don’t cross them unless you want to end up on the bottom of a river.

Corrupt darkness coats my skin, marks my bones. I don’t see any light or hope, until on my route, I meet a pint-sized, mute, little girl, who seems to look right through me. She sees past the bruises and scars, while I can hear beyond her silence.

Yet it is her mother, Sawyer, I should run from. Sexy, feisty, and smart, Sawyer’s darkness draws me in. Challenges me.

She is everything I can’t have. Everything forbidden.

But everything I want.

No matter the consequences . . .

HARDBACK EDITION

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DOWN FOR THE COUNT . . . Intense. Determined. Driven. Protective. Love. Respect. Abuse. Violence. Selective mutism?

We begin with a flashback to the time when he was all on top and then it all crashed down around him. All in just a hair's breadth of time. It was all taken away. The future he dreamed of and worked so hard for, over. It just took that simple moment. Now, years later, his life is not what he was planning for. But here comes another moment in time. A moment that will change his life yet again. Will this one be a good or bad change? Kingston is not sure but willing to move forward anyway.

She thought herself in love years ago. She was wine, dined, and bedded. The difference between her and the others. She chose to keep her baby. She was willing to do almost anything to make sure her daughter would have what was needed. She was not looking to bankroll a high life. When she missed the signs of something being wrong with her daughter she blamed herself. Selective mutism, this was something she never heard of. Now, she has to deal. Sawyer did not see dealing with him in the picture. 

Down. Dirty. Raw. Intense. Action. Suspense. Sweet. Romance. Reunion. Relief. There was a lot in this story. There were moments when I did not think Kingston would make it to the end. Down for the Count gave a good ending but it was not the highlife ending some may wish for. It was sweet and pulled a little bit on the heart strings. I recommend picking this one up.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR S. Marie lives in the PNW with her dog Cooper, traveling and writing stories that are full of spice, angst, and emotional damage.

Meet Victor Rahl, the Spanish-born athlete and model who conquered the wrestling world in his homeland before making his mark in the USA. You might recognize him from Love Island USA Season 5, where he joined the OG cast for an unforgettable summer in Fiji.

But Victor's talents don't end there. He's become a sensation in the world of romance novels, thanks to TikTok, where he not only reads these novels but also supports women. In just a few months, he's graced the covers of over 20 romance novels, making him a sought-after book model.

Off-camera, Victor is a passionate traveler who loves immersing himself in different cultures and adores all kinds of animals.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - ABEL (Broken Falls, #2) by Laramie Briscoe

Abel
Broken Falls, #2
by Laramie Briscoe 
Release Date: March 15th 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

A year worth of flirting comes down to this kiss...

Abel

I've eaten more tacos the past year than I have my entire life. It's not because I love those little handfuls of goodness (although I do). It's because of the woman who runs the local food truck Let's Taco Bout It. Seeing her makes my day, and while I can't admit my feelings, I can at least see her smile.

Until Halloween. When a man gives her attention she doesn't want, she pretends we're together, and lays a kiss on me that I'll never forget.

Kara

I've spent the last year watching the hottie in the constantly torn and dirty jeans eating shyly walking up to my food truck and ordering the same thing each time. I've done my best to drag him out of his shell, but nothing works until a night of unwanted attention forces me to make a move. 

Now? He's hanging around even more, and when his husky voice calls me his girlfriend? I melt into a puddle, and he's the only one who can pick me up and put me back together again. 

Abel is book two in The Broken Falls Series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends who have become family in small-town West Virginia, and the women who bring them to their knees. You do not have to read them in order, but each book builds upon the relationships of the last. 

AMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | NOOK | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . ABEL (Broken Falls, #2) . . . Abel is up and things are not so simple. The woman he has been flirty with for over a year has made her move. This Halloween was filled with sparks that he can not forget or move forward on. Kara places the ball in his court. What will he do with it?

Kara was by simple standards a newbie to the small town of Broken Falls. She came to town with a hope, wish, and a prayer. She had no true family support, but she had something just as strong. A best friend, Alexis. She worked hard to make her dreams and her future come true. She was also attracted to Abel. For a year the two of them exchanged flirtations. She was no longer willing to wait. She makes her move and places any further progress in Abel's hands. 

Abel was a simple man on the outside. He loved his friends and his family. He had a great relationship with his father. He had a so-so relationship with his mother until something changed all that. Life has a way of making things happen. Sometimes we are not equipped to handle it. Sometimes we have extra support in our corner. 

Abel and Kara were on a path forward. They have found their stride. She has become a big part of his life and his family. Kara has found what she was missing. All of it with the one man before. She has found love, life, acceptance, and family. Up next Jasper. I want to know how he made that step with someone that wished him harm. May 2024 is not coming fast enough.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read Realistic Wonderful characters Entertaining Found family Strong friendship

Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books, with sales of over half a million copies.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Her books have been known to make readers laugh and cry. They are guaranteed to be emotional, steamy reads.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - FAMOUS LAST WORDS by Claudia Burgoa

I need a new reason to keep breathing.

And I think that reason—is her.

Famous Last Words, an all-new angst filled, emotional second chance, rock star romance from USA Today bestselling author Claudia Burgoa is now available!

I shouldn’t be alive.

I should’ve died in that plane crash.

Instead, I survived.

Thrived, even.

After all, I’m a rock star and a billionaire.

There’s nothing I can’t buy.

Nothing, except peace.

And when it all comes crashing down around me…

The guilt.

The pain.

The sorrow.

That’s when she appears.

The one woman I’m not allowed to love.

I needed her to fill the void after everything was lost.

There she was, ready, and grieving too.

Both of us are broken, shattered people.

So why does she make my heart want to beat again?

I need a new reason to keep breathing.

And I think that reason—is her.

Famous Last Words is a story of pain, forgiveness, and the faint, lingering hope of rekindling a love that once meant everything.

Start reading today!
https://books2read.com/famouslastwords

Add Famous Last Words to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MWHrex    

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . FAMOUS LAST WORDS . . . Where do you go or look for more when you are a filthy rich rock star with major trauma? Brahms and Seraphina find that life is not what one wants it to be or expect it to be.

The family issues/drama/abuse/guilt/protection/loss etc... One major trauma cause years of guilt, depression, destruction, loss, confusion, hate, irritation, and more. I loved it all. 

Nine years ago it all fell apart and a door was opened. Seven years ago it crashed, burned, flamed out. One year ago something changed and the door was opened, again. Six months ago the door was closed. Yesterday, the door opened again and more pieces fell into place. You have to experience Famous Last Words to have all that takes place fully make an impact. There are family secrets, lies, deceptions, and then there is a family that will stand with you no matter what, maybe.

New series? New season...new faces...new surrounding... I loved it all. This was my favorite story from Claudia Burgoa has put out so far. Collaboration was not necessary. This was amazing all on its own. 

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Tragic Realistic Easy-to-read Entertaining Page-turner Wonderful characters

For more information about Claudia Burgoa and her books, visit her website: 

https://claudiayburgoa.com/wp

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - A FURIOUS MAN (Appalachian Star, #5) by Deanndra Hall

 A Furious Man
Appalachian Star, #5 
by Deanndra Hall 
Release Date: March 12th 2024 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

A horrific past can threaten the future …

REBOOT

Reluctance.

They say chivalry is dead, and I had to learn that truth the hard way. Helping when you're not wanted doesn't play out the way you think. Sometimes, more damage comes with it. So, I lay low and try not to get involved. Do my job, and that's all.

As an Appalachian STAR EMT, I've seen my fair share of atrocities and destruction, but none so horrendous as the whirlwind of chaos that one woman brings into play. Not only does she take a tumble on the docks, but then, she more than destroys every meal she attempts to serve where she waits tables. Despite her clumsy nature and apologetic demeanor, everything about this woman intrigues me. And now, I'm bound and determined to get closer to her.

MAVIS

Reluctance.

My life is in shambles, a series of one mishap or misstep after another. After escaping my traumatic childhood and finding a new life, I thought everything would be easy from here on out. I was wrong. I'm on edge, careful and cautious, jumpy and unnerved.

When the handsome EMT helps me find employment more suitable for me, I slowly begin to let down my guard, not truly ready to let a stranger into my life—or into my heart. But after my past comes barreling back, threatening to hurt others just as they hurt me, I snap.

They're not touching one more innocent child. Not while I'm alive. My plan has flaws. But thankfully, I have a rugged and strong Furious Man on my side.

AMAZON

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . A FURIOUS MAN (Appalachian Star, #5) . . . Can I say woooooh? This was a hard hitter. The pain of both primary characters, but for different reasons. Both Reboot/Derek and Mavis have a chance to grow something that could change both of their lives. Most only saw havoc when they saw Mavis. Reboot saw a woman that could use a little understanding. After watching the disaster that she could cause, he was wondering what job would put her at ease and move her into more comfort.

Mavis had more than herself to think of. She had to get a hold of being spooked by everything around her. She was traumatized by the very people that should have protected her. 

The formed family certainly beats the natural family. I want to go back and read more of what was behind many of the other characters/couples. 

Beautiful tribute to a long lost family member. Read the author's info at the beginning of the story. She tells the significance of a character's name. 

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read Entertaining Wonderful characters Realistic Romantic Found family Strong friendships Community Second chance(s)

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

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